THE AMERICAN FLAG AT THE FORE Christy rushed out of the engine-room followed by Captain Pecklar, to ascertain what damage had been done to the tug by the shot.

A cloud of smoke rising from the Belle, astern of the Leopard, informed them that the shot had come from her.

It had struck the house on deck, carrying away the corner of the captain's state-room; but, beyond this, no damage appeared to be done.
But the tug had broached to, and it was evident that Percy had abandoned the wheel when the shot struck the vessel; and Christy hastened to the pilot-house to restore the vessel to her course.

But he was closely followed by the acting engineer.

They found the volunteer pilot lying on the deck, where he had been before when the vessel was fired upon.
"Is that the way you steer the boat, Percy ?" said Christy reproachfully, as he went into the pilot-house, and righted the helm.
"Didn't you hear that cannon-shot that struck her just now ?" demanded Percy, partly raising himself from his recumbent posture.
"Of course I heard it: I am not deaf; and, if I had been, I could have felt it.